Dobson was 47-18 in his six seasons at King’s Academy, coaching the Lions to four playoff berths.

“The transition in coaches can be challenging, especially when you have a great coach in Coach Dobson leading your program,” King’s Athletic Director Adam Winters said. “Heath is a strong leader and I believe that he possesses the experience, enthusiasm, and drive to build on The King’s Academy football program.”

Nivens, an offensive-minded coach who will likely use the spread, went 34-16 in five years at University Christian. He was previously head coach at Ben Lippen School in Columbia, S.C. from 2003-07. His teams have gone to the playoffs in six of his nine years as a head coach.

He was also an assistant coach (running backs, kicking game) at West Texas A&M from 2001-02.

Nivens got into coaching directly after playing for Lou Holtz at South Carolina. He was a walk-on offensive tackle for the Gamecocks, who defeated Ohio State in the Outback Bowl and were ranked 19th in the country during his senior season, 2000.

Nivens is a native of Irmo, S.C. He and his wife, Kristin, have been married for seven years and have one child, Cullen (2).